The Wedding Story of Carlson & Bradley Copeland

Photos ByStacy Able Photography

Written By

Date

April 26, 2017

colors of love: A Chic, Colorful wedding at The Commons

It was early morning business flights at the Columbus, Ohio airport that allowed Carlson and Brad’s paths to cross. But it was an unlikely path they won’t forget. Lucky for Brad, he was meeting their mutual friend for coffee and, lucky for Carlson, she had a flight with the same friend and had made time to wash her hair! “I knew I liked him from day one because he commented on my stylish Frye boots,” she says. “I have a unique sense of style, so it has always been important to me to find someone who enjoys my individuality.”

THE PROPOSAL

After nearly two years as a couple, Brad knew it was time to ask Carlson to marry him, but the next decision was: Where do you find a unique ring for a one-of-a-kind girl? Grandview Mercantile, a fine antiques marketplace in Columbus, Ohio, had the perfect vintage 1940’s ring. Brad is a corporate planner so, when the special day finally arrived, he was able to convince Carlson to attend an event planning convention with him. Within walking distance of the “convention,” he led Carlson to their favorite park and popped the question in the middle of the pouring down rain! “I do not remember how he asked it,” she recalls, “but it was such a good feeling! I immediately said yes and his friends from work captured the moment. We then went to brunch, where our family surprised me to celebrate! It was perfect!”

THE Planning

Carlson and Brad are two true Midwesterners–Carlson from Columbus, Indiana and Brad from Mansfield, Ohio. For the location of the wedding, Carlson had her heart set on her hometown of Columbus. With this decided, nailing down their preferred vendors was step number two. In addition to having Carlson’s grandfather, a retired Presbyterian Minister, officiate their wedding, they knew they wanted three things and were thrilled to be able to check off each one for their October wedding: Stacy Able Photography, Pomp&Bloom and The Commons reception hall. The venue is a unique gathering space located in downtown Columbus, Indiana–a city renowned for its modern architecture. “I knew I wanted something with fine lines and features that tied back to the town’s heritage,” Carlson explains. “The Commons has clean lines with floor to ceiling glass. It is so easy to dress up and make romantic.”

The Dress

“BHLDN was our one and only shop we considered buying a dress from because we knew that it was 100% my style,” Carlson says. “Our stylist, Madison, was one we will never forget. She was so passionate about finding a dress that fit my style, ensuring my future husband was sure to be ‘wowed’ when I walked down the aisle.” The stylist came through with an intricate Rosa Clara dress, detailed with feathers and beautiful embellishments. “We fell in LOVE and bought it that day!” she says. The bridesmaids’ dresses, also beautifully unique, were purchased from B.loved in Seymour, Indiana.

THE Colors

Besides Carlson’s personal style, other influences served as major inspiration for the overall look and feel of the wedding, including her vendors. “We knew they were creative and could execute the vision we had,” Carlson says. However, it was a Maggie Austen watercolor cake featured in the New York Times that inspired her palette. The cake design featured a romantic mix of navy and cranberry–the very colors she desired. Together, with the wedding’s eccentric design and sparkly metallic details, the bold colors certainly brought life to the space. Pomp&Bloom designed the fresh floral elements, incorporating gorgeous King Proteas, vintage garden roses, anemone, eucalyptus leaves and a moss wall!

THE DÉCOR

Carlson and her mom set their sights on selecting just the right details needed to dress up the venue’s large, clean space. “Growing up as a Zeller we consider animal print, fur and metallic as basics!” Carlson says. “My vision slightly changed after getting my dress, but I knew we needed metallic gold, silver and bold flowers to make our big day feel different.” Sequin tablecloths, fur pillows, mercury glass and Ellis Events gold chairs provided the colorful and individualized statement she envisioned. Her mom, in fact, really stepped in when it came to planning, ensuring every detail was covered (including wearing her grandparent’s fraternity and sorority pins). Brad’s mom invested many creative hours as well, crafting the colorful, handmade pom poms thrown by guests.

Special Touches

Because they were living in Columbus, Ohio while planning a wedding in Columbus, Indiana, Carlson and Brad had to put complete faith in the vendors they selected, but the results speak for themselves. Icing on the Cake by Kristina infused their beloved watercolor design into the cake and Ashlynn Leigh Cakes designed cupcakes as well. Harrison Lake Country Club, longstanding friends of the couple’s family, held the rehearsal dinner and successfully catered the reception without access to a full kitchen. Even Carlson’s cousin, owner of a Chicago brewery, provided craft beer so tasty, it only lasted half the reception. Carlson says, “It was a special touch that is hard to top!”

advice from the bride

“Get inspired by everything around you, do not just default to Pinterest! I would say Pinterest was my best friend, but I was mainly inspired by others who influenced our lives!”